On Margaret Thatcher, the importance of religion, and becoming Prime Minister.

What made you go into politics?
My mother was active in politics, she was involved in the CND in the 1980s and used to take us along on marches and camps. I got interested in the way things worked. I also remember being very frustrated at what went on at my high school. Lots of lip service but students weren’t pushed as they could have been and there was wasted talent.

What job did you do before you became an MP?
When I left university I got a job with Shell on their graduate scheme. One of my roles was as a commercial manager for liquid natural gas shipping, project economics and contract negotiation. I was then in sales at Cable and Wireless. After fighting a seat at the 2005 election, I became Deputy Director of the think tank Reform.

Which law would you scrap?
The law that created the exam board system and OfQual. I think it needs to be completely reformed and universities put in charge of exam standards.

And if you could pass one law, what would it be?
A Childcare Act – reforming the structure and funding of childcare. I think we could get much better value for money for what we spend and many parents struggle with high costs and lack of flexibility at the moment.

Do politics and religion mix?
Yes. Beliefs and ideas are important to both.

Who is your favourite prime minister from history, and why?
Margaret Thatcher. She’s an icon and made us feel proud of our country.

Name three dream dinner-party guests.
I think Mick Jagger, David Lynch and Angela Merkel would make an interesting mix.

Which politician from a different party do you most admire?
I admire Peter Mandleson’s chutzpah and the way he transformed the Labour party but not his dubious ideas about Europe and industrial policy.

What’s your karaoke song of choice?
"Common People" by Pulp.

What’s the last film you saw?Headhunters, based on the book by Jo Nesbo.

What’s the last work of fiction you read?
I'm reading Money by Martin Amis at the moment

Newsnight or Question Time?Newsnight. I’m a big fan of political editor Allegra Stratton.